Top recruit Henry asks Memphis for release from letter of intent, might opt for Kentucky or KU

LAWRENCE | Prep shooting guard Xavier Henry didn’t sound like a guy harboring any hard feelings against new Kentucky coach John Calipari on Wednesday night after the McDonald’s All-American Game in Miami.

Henry originally signed with Memphis, Calipari’s former school, in November. With Calipari heading to Kentucky, Henry has asked Memphis for a release from his letter of intent, and it appears that Henry is considering following Calipari to Kentucky.

“We’ll probably set up a visit date at Kentucky and Kansas, and we’ll meet up with everybody,” Henry told reporters after scoring 14 points for the West team in a 113-110 East victory. “I’ll choose a school from there.”

Henry, rated the No. 1 shooting guard recruit in the country by Rivals.com, chose Calipari over Kansas the first time. Henry’s parents, Carl and Barbara, both played basketball at KU, and it was always assumed he would follow in their footsteps. At least now the Jayhawks are in play for his services again.

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“I just want to take as much time as I need to make a decision that’s going to stick,” Henry said. “It could be quick. It could be long. I just want my decision to stick.”

Xavier Henry said that he spoke with Calipari and understood why the coach left for Kentucky.

“He just told me that he was leaving Memphis and that Kentucky was his dream school,” Henry said. “He didn’t want me to feel betrayed by him leaving Memphis. Like my dream of going to the NBA, his dream was going to Kentucky. He should follow his dreams, just like I’m following mine. If we cross paths, if I go to Kentucky, then it’s still a good thing. If I don’t, then I don’t, but at least we’ll be on the way to our dreams.”